With so much concern over the state of the environment over the last few years, the idea of “going green” has grown from a necessity to an all-out trend, especially when it comes to home decorating. Almost everyone is trying to find ways to make their homes more green simply because being environmentally friendly is not only better for the environment, but it is also often cheaper and healthier.

To respond to the growing demand for green initiatives in the home, trends in interior design have changed to meet those needs. The following are just some of the green design trends for 2012.

Sustainable carpeting

Carpet has been one of the most popular types of flooring for decades, but unfortunately the production of carpet is quite taxing on the environment. Not only that, but new carpets are often produced with many harmful chemicals that can release into your home.

Nowadays, carpet manufacturers are becoming eco-friendly and are making carpets out of recycled and organic materials rather than petroleum and other fossil fuels. Carpets made from natural, renewable fibres are all the rage, such as sisal, seagrass, coir, organic cotton, jute, organic wool and bamboo.

Indoor gardens

Bringing Mother Nature inside is another green interior design trend that we can expect to see more of over the next few years. Gone are the days of the scattered potted houseplants or fake trees: instead, people are building vertical gardens on their walls and landscapes inside their homes. Not only is this a much more sustainable way to decorate your home, but the plants also act to cleanse the air, making it more fresh and healthy.

“Green” paint

Bold colours are the trend at the moment, and people are beginning to paint over the beiges and neutrals of yesterday with the yellows, oranges, purples and greens of tomorrow. To stay in line with the sustainability trend and provide their home with more colour at the same time, people are starting to use eco-friendly paints that are free of harmful chemicals. Natural paints are better for your health and the environment, and aren’t even that different to use than regular paint.

Recycled and vintage home décor

Another hot trend is incorporating recycled materials and vintage finds into home décor. Not only are reused materials far better for the environment than buying everything new, but furnishings that have been refurbished are far more trendy. For example, wood fixtures and flooring are common targets when revamping a home, whether it is oak, teak, bamboo or driftwood. Vintage and antique finds make for fantastic decorative pieces, and also makes your design look more unique.

LED lighting

LED lighting is so popular that it is becoming the go-to lighting choice for many homeowners because they cut your energy bills, last longer and are better for the environment. Nowadays, you have a large variety of lighting fixtures to choose from that accommodate LED bulbs and add a beautiful soft touch of light to the home.

As the necessity for sustainability becomes more apparent, it comes as no surprise that eco-friendly trends are beginning to evolve. When it comes to interior decorating, it’s easy to see how the more sustainable options will not only be better for you financially and health-wise, but also for the planet.

Green Design Trends for 2012 is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

When it comes to the world of interior design, you need to be fast to keep up with the changing trends. Future design trends will bring bright home decorating colours to give people a sense of optimism, joy and hope. Materials and light that make up room décor will combine comfort and functionality to create more simplistic, charming and nonchalant home interiors.

Reuse and recycle

Recycling, repurposing and reusing old furnishings and home décor accessories never goes out of style. Items that on their own appear to be old, used or useless can be applied in a modern setting to add rustic charm to a space. Think about ‘60s and ‘70s retro style including shag carpet, refurbished Victorian furniture, and chic wooden accessories.

Fabric prints

Various geometric patterns and kaleidoscope-esque designs that will be gracing various fabrics in the future symbolise dynamic changes and allow designers to get creative with colour and texture. For example, animal prints, which are associated with luxury and aristocratic style, add a chic flavour to modern decorating.

Flooring

The trend in flooring is based on light tones, with grey oaks and antique lime-washed whites leading the way. These elements add an air of sophistication to a classic and contemporary interior. Well-placed rugs add a dash of colour to a room as well, and continue to be a hot item in the foreseeable future.

Accents of luxury

Golden home decorations, finishes and colours symbolise happiness, success and prosperity, and are going to be very popular. Cheerful, golden colours can be on anything from fixtures and accents to wallpaper and furniture, and help to inject positive energy into a room.

Vibrant colours

If you want a rich and glamorous flavour, popular colours to use are yellow, reddish and greenish yellows, orange, peach, amber, as well as yellowish and reddish browns. Emerald green, deep blue colours, turquoise and intense purples mixed with soft creams, elegant greys, yellows and reds are also going to be very popular.

Eco-friendly

There is a large push to go “green”, and interior design is expected to follow suit. Products made from organically sourced materials are going to be the norm, such as refinished woods, organic hemp carpets and cushion covers knitted from local wool.

Traditional design with natural materials

Modern design trends feature furniture and accessories that are created with traditional processes and local materials. There will be a focus on patriotic decoration and brands, handmade crafts and décor accessories that feel familiar and friendly. Traditional homes will be the inspiration for materials and colours that are used.

Vertical gardens

New trends are seeing the outdoors brought inside in creative ways, such as with vertical indoor gardens. Instead of painting a feature wall in the living room, people will be growing vertical gardens. Having a large garden inside brings positive energy and beautiful design into your home as well as clean, fresh air.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is going to get extremely popular in the near future. With classic retro, metallic geometric and botanical prints leading the way, personalised themed wallpaper won’t be far behind. So much more can be achieved colour, pattern and texture-wise with wallpaper than with paint, making wallpaper a much-anticipated decorative item.

Functional kitchens

Modern kitchen design trends reflect the growing popularity of cooking and eating at home. Since people will spend more time in kitchens cooking, socialising and eating meals, the necessity for dining rooms will decrease. To make kitchens more functional, people will be looking for creative ways to set up a dining space in the kitchen, meaning that dining areas will become smaller, and food preparation areas will need to be more efficiently organised.

Top 10 Future Interior Design Trends is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

In the contemporary business climate, it is increasingly common for customers to not just expect, but also demand information about the environmental impacts of products. Increasingly, customers recognise the need for environmental responsibility and the pivotal role they can play in supporting the reduction of processes and products that cause negative environmental impact.

Essentially, customers want openness and transparency and the provision of clear and appropriately detailed information in relation to the ingredients and environmental impacts of a product — throughout the life of that product. This information and demand applies to a great range of products, including carpets and flooring, building materials, white goods and furniture.

How can information about the environmental impacts of products be shared with customers?

Regrettably, not all claims made by all companies with regard to how ‘sustainable’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ their products are can be treated as completely accurate or reliable. Without the existence of rigour or tight structures for confirming the extent to which a product impacts on the environment, customers can inevitably be misled.

However, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide a clear, credible and completely reliable way for businesses to share the environmental credentials of their products with existing and potential customers. Simply put, an EPD is an account of the components that make up a product and the product’s impacts on the environment throughout the course of its life.

EPDs inform customers about the impacts of products in relation to areas such as:

• Raw materials and processes used for their extraction
• Types and levels of energy used and consumed
• The waste products that are generated
• Emission levels in relation to air, soil and water.

All of these areas are significant and potentially useful to customers in arriving at decisions about the best products for purchase, to meet their needs and align with their commitment to reducing negative environmental impacts.

Reasons to create an EPD

Aside from wanting to appeal to customers who demand information about the environmental impacts of the products they purchase and use, there are other good reasons for creating and providing an EPD.

Openness: When it comes to sharing the environmental impacts of products and processes, the vast majority of businesses have kept this information confidential. By transparently sharing such information through an EPD, your business will earn the trust and respect of customers and have its pride and commitment to environmental protection affirmed.

Demand: The fact that an ever-increasing number of customers not only want, but also expect and demand exposure to the information contained within an EPD cannot be ignored. The demand for this information will only increase in the future.

Approach: As well as detailing the environmental impacts of the products currently offered, EPDs can also reveal much about the approach and commitment of your company. For example, the information in an EPD may well showcase the ongoing drive of your company to work with suppliers who share and support your commitment to reduce the use of raw materials and processes that are detrimental to the environment while increasing the recycled content of particular resources.

Comparison: Standardised and rigorous processes are used to develop EPDs. Because product category rules are applied, full environmental disclosure occurs and, therefore, accurate comparisons of products can be made. This is important and infinitely useful when comparing and selecting between products from a designated category, such as flooring.

Because EPDs provide relevant and credible information, your environmental credentials are showcased to customers who are then best positioned to draw comparisons and make decisions about products according to the environmental impacts that are of most concern and interest to them.

Showing Customers Your Environmental Credentials is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

The demand for products and buildings that are sustainable and ‘green’ is definitely growing. This demand is important and worthy, and many companies have picked up on the desire of consumers to purchase and use sustainably sourced and produced and environmentally friendly products. However, the market has become ‘greenwashed’ with no end of companies claiming to be green, committed to sustainability and environmentally conscious.

From cleaning products to food and flooring, what does ‘being green’ really mean?

Unfortunately, there is scope for companies to make all sorts of green claims that cannot actually be substantiated or verified. Upon seeing these marks upon the products that we use, from cleaning products and food to flooring and fuel, confusion can result as to which are actually 100% recycled, 100% organic, 100% eco-friendly and many more such claims.

Fortunately, Environmental Product Declarations can clear up much of the confusion and ambiguity.

Environmental Product Declarations: seen on products ranging from carpets to fuel. What are they?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a report of the ingredients that constitute a product and the environmental impacts that result over the life of a product. EPDs can be likened to the nutritional labels found on particular types of food that provide information relevant to health categories, such as fat, salt, sugar and calorie content. Obviously, EPDs exist in a different context, as they provide key information regarding the impacts of products in categories directly relevant to the environment, including the extraction of raw materials, energy use and consumption, generation of waste products and air, soil and water emissions.

When choosing products such as carpets and wanting to select a product that is sustainably sourced and produced with as little negative environmental impacts as possible, access to this information is invaluable and important guidance for your decision.

More than a promise — absolute transparency

Companies that provide EPDs are sharing information that is usually confidentially maintained. Rather than making a green promise or a claim of ‘being green’, an EPD offers a genuine and detailed account of product information that is shared in a consistent way. Most importantly, the information shared through an EPD has to be certified to a public international standard and verified by a credible and approved third party.

Far more than a mere promise or claim, an EPD provides information that can be trusted and information that is shared in a completely transparent manner.

When a company is proud and unwaveringly committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practice, it has every reason to openly present the environmental performance data relevant to its products. In fact, many progressive companies realise that the transparent sharing of such information significantly works to their advantage and earns the respect of customers who seek clear and detailed information to support them in making completely informed decisions.

EPDs are increasingly significant in the era in which we live. Accurate and reliable information about the environmental impacts of the products we use and consider for purchase is important to a growing number of people, and as awareness of environmental responsibility and opportunities to reduce negative environmental impact become more apparent, this will only increase.

EPDs represent a transparent and upfront way for companies to convey their dedicated stance to sustainability and environmental protection. Far from being tokenistic or questionably reliable, the information contained in an EPD is rigorously proven and therefore provides consumers with product information that can be trusted as credible and accurate.

What Are Environmental Product Declarations? is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

What does it really mean to be an authentically ‘green’ office? While so many businesses realise and commit to behaving more responsibly toward the natural environment, a standard or framework by which to measure the ‘green-ness’ of your office is very useful.

Environmental awareness:

Particularly since the late 1960s, environmental awareness has grown significantly. Of course, issues of environmental concern are made prominent through the media and, as consumers, many of us show a preference for products made from recycled and sustainable materials and using processes that cause minimal environmental impact. Sustainable carpets and flooring are just one example of this, and much of the flooring produced using recycled and sustainable materials and processes is not only on-trend, it is also of excellent quality.

Public image:

Even in the face of the most genuine and committed actions for environmental protection, some organisations assume a ‘green’ stance in an attempt to impress and increase credibility with consumers and the public more broadly. In a truly green office, a green commitment extends far beyond a public relations exercise; the policies, procedures, processes and resources used are all underpinned by efforts to enhance environmental protection and sustainability.

Attract quality employees:

Some businesses adopt a commitment to the environment (or maintain a green office) in the hope that the best quality employees will be attracted to their organisation. Today this is more important than ever, as a number of young people have greater social concerns (and concerns about the environment in particular), than they did a decade ago. In effect, many high-quality potential employees actively seek to become established with enterprises that positively contribute and make a real difference to society.

Green offices exist and are important, so how do you identify and measure the credentials of a green office?

The following list includes some of the features of a green office (although green offices will exist differently for different organisations):

• A green-office coordinator and team will be in place. Whether this is an individual, or an individual supported by a team, they will be charged with responsibility for the oversight, dissemination, promotion, implementation and evaluation of strategies for environmental protection
• A practical environmental program will be developed and instituted. Such a program will be meaningful and user-friendly to people at all levels within an organisation
• The greenhouse gas emissions of the office will be a focus with dedicated efforts in place to improve energy efficiency on an ongoing basis
• In green offices, wastes are reduced, recycling occurs and wastes are sorted in line with local requirements and resources for their management and disposal
• In all business transactions (including procurement), green issues are considered and have an impact on the decisions made. Essentially, this means that environmental concerns are at the heart of everything the business does and the decisions it makes
• Information and education about green office practices are shared with staff. The business values this responsibility highly and is committed to ongoing and growing improvement in environmental matters
• In green offices, an environmental program exists and is reviewed and updated regularly (at least annually)
• In green offices, indicators and objectives are established by which environmental impact and improvement can be measured. Monitoring of the extent to which these environmental objectives are fulfilled is ongoing in green offices.

In addition to these markers of green offices, there are many everyday, practical processes and actions that can be done within an office to increase environmental responsibility and proactivity. Limiting the use of paper and conserving energy used for lighting and to power machines are just two possibilities that can be easily implemented.

It is one thing to claim to be a green office, but another to be able to prove this by not only considering environmental issues, but also placing the environment at the heart of every process employed and action taken.

Measuring the Green Credentials of Your Office is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

When retailers turn their attention to the fitout of their spaces, there are many elements that need to be considered in order to create effective and functional interiors. Of all considerations, the selection of flooring is one of the most important and is certainly one of the elements that can deliver the greatest impact.

Why does flooring matter?

For a number of reasons, the flooring used in a retail environment is important. These reasons include:

• The significant amount of foot traffic that carpets and any other type of flooring will experience
• The frequency with which tenancies change
• Sound considerations — flooring can reduce or enhance acoustics
• Matters pertaining to occupational health and safety

Essentially, decisions about flooring should not be made hastily; it is definitely possible to install flooring in a retail space that looks amazing and is of excellent quality.

The impact of flooring in retail spaces

The type of flooring used in a retail space has a significant impact in a number of areas.

Safety:  Many retailers recognise the need for and value of flooring that is slip resistant and safe for customers, clients, visitors and staff. Public liability and occupational health and safety claims continue to rise and so safety must be a real concern and consideration when choosing appropriate retail flooring. The selection and installation of safe flooring will not only make floors safer to walk on, it can also reduce the liability you might face if sued by someone that falls in your retail space. In the event you can show the lengths you have gone to provide a safe work and shopping environment, the likelihood of people being able to bring claims against you is reduced.

Hygiene:  Flooring made from a good quality material is generally easy to clean and many types of excellent quality sustainable flooring are characterised in this way. Some types of flooring are even made from antimicrobial materials.

Durability:  Retail flooring will inevitably be subjected to substantial foot traffic and so it pays to invest in flooring that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. In particular, flooring made from durable, high-quality materials should be sought for the retail environment, and attention should be paid to whether or not a flooring material will be resistant to warping and the likelihood of water penetrating through the floor.

Aesthetics:  As with any other interior design feature, the appearance of a particular type of flooring will weigh heavily in its overall appeal. The aesthetic qualities of flooring matter — the visual impression is the first and most significant impression that customers and others make of a business — and it is understandable that retailers want to use flooring that reflects the latest design trends and popular colours.

The good news for retailers is that many different types of quality flooring with high aesthetic appeal exist, and it is especially pleasing that many of these are available in sustainable forms. For example, modular carpet tiles are now available in an extensive range of colours, patterns and designs and are often made from sustainable materials and using sustainable processes. Modular carpet tiles also have the advantage of being versatile and causing minimal disruption and inconvenience when being installed.

Current trends:

In many retail environments, it is important that refits can be quickly completed — particularly when there is a change of tenancy or when an existing tenant refurbishes the retail premises. In light of this, loose-laid flooring is growing in popularity and is so popular because it allows for speedy, easy installation and is a perfect non-permanent solution. In fact, such flooring can often be installed over existing flooring and requires little to no subfloor preparation; this creates the advantages of limited mess, no lasting odour, minimal (if any) disruption to trading activities and cost savings.

Flooring is particularly important in retail spaces and businesses do need to choose flooring that is serviceable, safe, hygienic, durable and made from high-quality materials, and which uses quality processes. Most importantly, flooring should be attractive and aesthetically pleasing. While this seems a long list of requirements, it is definitely possible to choose and install retail flooring that combines excellent quality with good looks.

Combining Quality and Looks for Retail Flooring is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

Business owners increasingly want to create offices that are stimulating, visually appealing and conducive to productivity and effective working practices. Not only do business owners want to offer such workplaces, the best quality employees demand such a work environment.

Awareness and responsibility for environmental protection and sustainability is also guiding the decisions made by a number of business owners in terms of the interiors, policies and practices that are present in their offices. Rather than being tokenistic or an effort to ‘outwardly impress’, an ever-growing number of businesses are assuming a dedicated and proactive stance through deliberate promotion of sustainable processes and choice of sustainable products.

Aren’t office sustainability and office style contrary concepts? Can products like carpets and lighting blend both?

The good news is that combining style and sustainability in an office is now possible — one does not have to be chosen at the expense of the other. In fact, many of the best and most cutting-edge office design products (ranging from carpets and flooring to office furniture and lighting) are sustainably produced using recycled materials.

But, how do you know if a stylish product is also a sustainable product?

It’s no secret that the market has become ‘greenwashed’ — all sorts of companies, brands and products claim to be green and environmentally friendly. However, it is difficult to substantiate all claims that are made and make an informed choice about products that are truly recycled, organic and/or eco-verified.

It is confusing, particularly when a company is trying to do the right (environmentally responsible) thing but has no idea of how to check the sustainability credentials of a product or service provider.

The importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

Finally, EPDs offer the clarity that is so actively sought by customers and the transparency that is needed within the industry.

An EPD offers a detailed report of the ingredients that comprise a product and the environmental impacts that can result over the life of that product. An easy way to think of an EPD is to compare it to a food nutrition label that specifies health categories such as sugars, fats and salts and the composition of the product in relation to these areas. EPDs express the impacts of products in categories relating to the environment, such as the extraction of raw materials, use of energy, waste generation and levels of air, soil and water emissions.

Far from being a green claim or aspirational statement, the information contained in an EPD is typically kept confidential by companies, but through an EPD, is shared. The advantage of EPDs is that detailed product information is provided in a consistent way and that information about products can be accurately compared. An EPD is accompanied by certification to a public international standard that is verified by a credible third party.

What does this mean for office sustainability and style?

When researching and choosing products for an office interior, request an EPD to determine the information that allows you to determine how sustainable and genuinely environmentally sound a product is. It is only when these qualities are reliably provided that you are in a position to make an environmentally informed choice and accurately compare alternatives.

What can you take from the information found in an EPD?

Essentially, you can draw assurance and confidence from the information included in an EPD. Rather than offering a pass or fail result in terms of certification, an EPD provides the fundamental information for comparing and choosing products based on the environmental impacts that are of most concern to you, including ozone depletion, smog, global warming and acidification.

You will find that some of the most stylish and appealing office design products are ‘sustainable’ and ‘environmentally friendly’. Despite the immediate appeal of the product and the environmentally friendly claims made, it is not only necessary but imperative to check the sustainability credentials of a provider and the environmental impacts of their product. It is only when armed with this information that you are well-placed to make a choice of product that authentically blends sustainability and style.

How to Mix Office Sustainability and Style is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

Offices need no longer be boring, uninspiring and sterile places. On the contrary, some of the world’s leading organisations are attracting the highest calibre of staff with their cutting edge and modern office interiors. These companies also recognise that the presentation of an office speaks volumes about an organisation and its approach to business — and no business wants their image to be stale, stagnant or express that they are reticent to embrace new technologies and approaches.

Some of the most innovative office design trends of 2012… flooring, lighting and beyond:

There are many interior design features that effectively enhance office interiors. Flooring, use of lighting and creative use of space are just some of the ways offices are being modified for the better and design trends — coupled with greater flexibility in working arrangements — are reducing demands on office space, increasing the mobility of staff and trimming overhead costs.

Carpet — a key way to make a statement and make a difference…

In any office, one of the easiest, cost effective and undoubtedly the best ways to invigorate the space is with modern, attractive carpet. It is time to think beyond traditional broadloom carpet and realise the potential of flooring that is daring and bold in the way that it defines a space.

Monochrome:

Monochrome is a leading design trend in flooring for 2012. Released at the end of February this year, monochrome allows an office space to be built block by block (or modern carpet tile by carpet tile) so that solid colours, used in all manner of creative ways, define the space and create an amazing effect that is instantly appealing to employees and all visitors that enter your office.

One of monochrome’s most appealing features is that it is all about boldness with solid, pure colour, but the freedom to combine and create impressive effects through combinations and clever arrangement of Monochrome carpet tiles. Monochrome is a collection of 64 tasteful and modern colours from all points of the colour wheel. When you consider the names of some of these — Aquamarine, Berry, Asparagus, Chestnut, Eggplant, Flemish Blue and Garden Leaf — the innovation and contemporary relevance of these colours is obvious.

Designers are embracing the freedom, creativity and possibilities of monochrome as they use the product to imagine and create dynamic and ever-changing spaces.

Monochrome features solid colours and is definitely bold, but strong and simple at the same time — this in part accounts for why it is such an important office design trend for 2012. Monochrome offers adventure in spatial design through simple colour blocking techniques and is suitable for use in commercial spaces and areas where heavy-duty performance is demanded. It is also a sustainable choice of flooring, offering 100% Green Star points.

Striation:

Similarly, texture and patterns can make a huge difference to an office interior and, it is therefore no surprise that striation is a cutting edge office design that is changing impressions and understanding of the potential of carpet to enhance an office interior.

Striation embraces our sense of nostalgia and celebrates our fascination with the past. Textures are central to this flooring product and, in particular, the imperfections in the textures of patterns are foregrounded.

Forget images of dowdy, tired and bland carpets. Striation may be about nostalgia, but it embraces this nostalgia in a truly modern way with contemporary appeal. Revivalism and craftsmanship are fundamental to this product which is inspired by industrial heritage and a focus on seeing and feeling things that are ‘down to earth’ and less disposable.

Striation parallels the functionality of modern design with craft. Detailed fine lines are features of this product and texture and depth are immediately obvious in striation carpet tiles. When viewed from a distance, the details of the individual tiles create an elegant and sophisticated impression that offers the best from earthly shades, including minerals and stone.

Essentially, striation takes the best from nature and foregrounds it while offering luxury and contemporary design appeal. Striation is also suitable for use in commercial and extra heavy-duty areas and, depending on the backing selected, striation carpet tiles can have a total recycled content by weight up to 46 per cent.

In 2012, design trends are showing that offices are modern, inspiring and pleasant places to be. The use of modern flooring products, including monochrome and striation carpet tiles, can invigorate an office and create an impressive and inspiring effect.

2012 Cutting Edge Office Designs is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

Few things are more impressive and inspiring to potential employees than a cool office. Because so much of our days, weeks, years and lives are spent at work, an attractive, comfortable, safe and healthy workplace can make a huge difference to attitude, productivity and loyalty.

Businesses that seek to attract the most qualified, talented and skilful employees to their organisations should recognise the incredible impact that can occur when superior working conditions are provided. A workplace that is ‘cool’ matters and, together with salaries and incentives, factors in decisions about where and how a person will work.

What makes an office cool?

• In cool offices, the basics have to be right.
• Plenty of space is vital and it needs to be used well — just as cramped working conditions and meeting spaces are undesirable, it is rarely a good thing to have large and unnecessary vacuous spaces.
• Convenience matters and an effective air conditioning system is imperative. Sufficient lighting (including natural lighting) makes a huge difference, and close proximity to transport links is important.
• The interior design of an office goes a long way to making it cool. The use of an attractive and effective colour scheme definitely enhances its appeal and the use of quality carpets and/or other flooring can not only add impact but also exemplify attention to detail and use of products of the highest quality.
• A commitment to sustainability and environmental protection matters to an ever-increasing number of people (including customers, clients, business partners and employees) and displaying the genuine commitment of your organisation through the facilities and features of your office, will not only render your office cool and innovative, it will deliver positive messages about your organisation’s values and approach.

So, what are 10 of the coolest offices in the world?

10:  Washington Square Park Dental, San Francisco

This office is immediately sophisticated and modern in appearance. While few people look forward to attending the dentist’s, this dental surgery features open-plan spaces, an abundance of foliage to create a relaxing and calming effect and strategically positioned television screens.

9:  Macquarie Investment Bank, Sydney

The offices provided by Macquarie Bank in Sydney defy the notion that investment banks are stuffy places devoid of creativity. The modern interior is bright and designed to be incredibly flexible; employees are able to meet in a number of different ‘meeting pods’ and more than 50 per cent of the bank’s staff change their workplace every day.

8:  Dtac Headquarters, Bangkok

This Thai telco does more than passively encourage its employees to engage in physical activity. A running track is a key feature of the office space and a place provided for employees to run whenever they feel so inclined.

7:  ANZ Centre, Melbourne

In Melbourne, ANZ provides its employees with a split-level workspace that includes 44 working hubs that are situated around communal facilities, such as cafes and art displays. Quiet working zones are also a feature of this very cool office.

6:  Skype, Stockholm

Through the use of quality flooring, fixtures and other features, the offices of Skype have amazing visual appeal. These offices also strongly feature the Skype brand; the cloud shape logo and lettering that is synonymous with Skype is creatively and strategically used throughout.

5:  TBWA Hakuhodo, Tokyo

Nature has a place indoors in the cool office of this ad agency. With an abundance of natural trees and foliage, staff are able to enjoy drinks and interact in spaces that are essentially indoor picnic areas.

4:  Studio No 6, Colorado

The problem of limited space was overcome by this branding agency installing a moving wall in its offices. The wall is three-sided and perfect for separating the office into separate, distinct spaces.

3:  The Hub, Madrid

Filled with space and character, The Hub was once an old railway station that has been transformed to promote collaborative working. The furniture — made from items such as old fruit boxes — serves a variety of functions.

2:  Comvert, Milan

Comvert is a clothing brand for skateboarders and the office space features graffitied walls and furniture so versatile that it can be configured to create a runway, screening area or meeting room. A huge skating ‘bowl’ is also prominent.

1: Google

Google has established itself as a forward-thinking organisation and its offices reflect this. Meeting pods, aquariums, pool and table tennis tables and accommodation are available to fulfil almost every need of the Google staff. At Google, free food can be accessed by sliding to the cafeteria!

Cool offices typically make great places to work.

Top 10 Coolest Offices is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog

With environmental awareness increasing all the time, owners of private homes and businesses are realising the responsibility they have to nurture and protect the environment through the choices they make. In light of this, it is little surprise that options of environmentally friendly flooring are increasing and growing in popularity.

What is environmentally friendly flooring?

The term environmentally friendly (or sustainable) flooring relates to any type of carpet or other flooring that is produced using sustainable materials and sustainable processes. The use of sustainable materials and processes lessens the impact and demands on ecosystems during the product’s life-cycle, which includes its harvest, production, use and disposal.

Why is sustainability important?

Environmentally friendly flooring is critically important to the creation of healthier and safer buildings. While this obviously enables an improved experience for users of such buildings, it most importantly ensures future wellbeing and the livelihood of the renewable resources upon which so many communities depend.

The choice and use of environmentally friendly flooring does not mean that it is necessary to compromise on quality. On the contrary, many sustainably made and produced carpets and floorings (including modular flooring), particularly those of the industry leader, are favoured and deliberately chosen by some of the world’s best architects and designers as a direct result of their superior quality and performance.

History of environmentally friendly flooring

1994 was the year that Ray Anderson, the man widely regarded as the father of sustainable flooring, had an epiphany that business could and should no longer exhaust natural resources with a complete lack of care for the future.

From this time, Anderson’s company worked according to a completely different and unique approach known as Mission Zero. Mission Zero is a wholehearted and authentic commitment to eradicate the negative impacts that the company has on the environment by 2020. Essentially, this commitment underpins every decision the company makes, ranging from the extraction of raw materials, the processes used, manufacturing, transport of products and the ways they are distributed. Very importantly, Mission Zero determines the ways that products are used, reused, maintained, recycled and — when the time comes — disposed of in a final way.

In 2007, Ray Anderson’s company officially became Australia’s first 100 per cent carbon-neutral manufacturing company.

The earliest and leading efforts to create, use and promote environmentally friendly flooring were not a result of current trends or pressures. Industry leaders in this area have, for almost 20 years, been changing their approach and redesigning everything they do when it comes to flooring of different types. New production systems have been instituted so that the burden placed upon living systems is markedly reduced and far less destructive.

How does sustainable flooring benefit the environment?

Environmentally friendly flooring often unites innovation, quality, cutting-edge design, elegance and exceptional functionality. In terms of environmental impact, sustainable flooring and the processes that are used in its production and distribution can:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduce energy consumption
• Reduce the use of water
• Reduce waste

Carpet recycling

One of the most significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of flooring is carpet recycling, including the re-entry program. The development and use of groundbreaking technology allows vinyl carpets (including the external face cloth and backing made from vinyl) to be reclaimed, harvested and recycled into new products.

With the widespread availability and excellent quality of environmentally friendly flooring, it is now not only possible but also easy to choose sustainable flooring.

A Short History of Environmentally Friendly Flooring is a post from: the 5th Wall Blog